The research unit focuses on the recapitulation of human beta cells in a dish using human pluripotent stem cells. Through these studies, we aim to identify factors contributing to the development of diabetes and generate cell therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, in which the beta cells, located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are destroyed. As beta cells secrete insulin to regulate blood glucose, individuals living with T1D have high blood glucose levels. While insulin administration can regulate blood glucose and has saved the lives of millions of people globally, it does not serve as a cure, as it requires daily and life-long injections which are burdensome for patients and their families. Replacing the beta cell mass, by transplantation of donor islets leads to long-term glycemic control, but it is limited by donor scarcity. 

Therefore, Yasaman Aghazadeh’s laboratory is interested in harnessing stem cell biology to recapitulate beta cell development and the islet niche in a dish, to study beta cell function and dysfunction, and develop cell therapies for T1D.

We are passionate about human development, and its recapitulation in a dish using stem cells. Specifically, we study beta cell development adjacent to the vascular niche, to develop cell therapies for type 1 diabetes, and study healthy and pathogenic beta cell development.